The state Legislature will be voting on Hawaiian language mandates in the coming week.

On Wednesday, a conference committee advanced a bill that designates February as "Olelo Hawaii Month" to celebrate and encourage the use of the Hawaiian language. It also requires that all state letterheads, documents, symbols and emblems include appropriate Hawaiian spelling and punctuation.

According to the state constitution, Hawaiian is one of the state’s two official languages. This bill gives the language more parity, says Sen. J. Kalani English.

After the bill passed committee, English said it was a great day for those who carry on the language of their grandparents’ parents.

The full House and Senate will vote on the measure before the 2012 session adjourns May 3.